A HEULE precision tool shown in a CNC machine, demonstrating the process of automated CNC deburring

CNC Deburring: Efficient Technologies for Perfect Bores

CNC deburring removes burrs and excess material from workpieces in an automated process. This step is necessary to obtain burr-free bore edges, which is essential for the quality and performance of the final products. This article explains which methods and tools can be used.
A female production mechanic apprentice at HEULE carefully inspecting a precision deburring tool during her training.

What is CNC Deburring?

CNC machine deburring is an automated process that removes burrs from workpieces. The result is burr-free bore edges. CNC machines offer numerous advantages due to their integrated control and automated processes.
 

The primary advantage is that workpieces come off the machine completely finished, machined, and deburred. Companies thus integrate the deburring process directly into the machining cycle. This allows production processes to be designed much more efficiently, ultimately leading to reduced process costs. This is particularly important in industries with very large production runs, such as the automotive and aerospace industries.


 

Alternative deburring methods such as thermal deburring (TEM), electro-chemical deburring (ECM), high-pressure water jet deburring, laser deburring, ultrasonic deburring, or even manual deburring require steps outside the CNC machine, which increases both process times and costs.
 

Unlike manual deburring, CNC deburring offers very precise results and high repeatability. This is because human error can be almost completely eliminated. The safety risk for employees is also reduced by CNC deburring.
 

Another plus: The automation of the deburring process allows even complex geometries and challenging materials to be reliably machined. CNC deburring is therefore an indispensable part of modern manufacturing.

Overview of Deburring Processes

CNC Deburring Tools at a Glance

Various methods and tools fall under the category of CNC deburring. All aim to efficiently remove burrs and thereby achieve perfect bore edges. The suitable process depends on the workpiece to be machined, the specific requirements for the result, and its integrability into the existing process.

 

It's important to note that only mechanical deburring solutions can be used on a CNC machine, as CNC machines operate purely mechanically (milling, turning, grinding). The best-known methods are deburring with milling cutters, brushes, or grinding tools. Each of these methods has advantages and disadvantages, which are explained in more detail below.

A close-up of the HEULE COFA tool for automatically deburring the front and back of a borehole in a single pass.

Milling Deburring

With the help of special deburring blades (e.g., 45° chamfer mills, ball-nose end mills, cutters with variable blades), the hole edge is cleanly rounded. Often, not only is the burr removed, but a chamfer (e.g., 45°) is also applied (e.g., SNAP by HEULE). The tools can be easily planned into CNC programs. Some deburring cutters, with their integrated movable blades, offer the possibility of back-side hole machining (e.g., COFA by HEULE), as the challenge often lies in hard-to-reach bore edges.

Discover HEULE Deburring Tools

Brush Deburring

When deburring with brushes, a rotating deburring brush is integrated into the CNC machine. In operation, the brush then moves over the surface or edge to be deburred, thereby rounding sharp edges. This method is suitable for complex contours and internal edges. However, the result is not as precise as with milling deburring. Additionally, brushes wear out quickly and must therefore be changed regularly.

 

Grinding and Polishing Deburring

In grinding deburring, special grinding points or grinding wheels controllably remove material from edges and smooth surfaces. These tools are versatile for different materials and deliver very fine surface finishes. Incorrect parameters pose a risk of material overheating.

Selecting the Right Deburring Tools

The choice of deburring tool is crucial for the quality of the final product. Decisive aspects include material type, workpiece geometry, integrability into the process, and the requirements for the result.

HEULE, as an experienced manufacturer of mechanical deburring tools, offers a wide range of solutions. This includes a proven standard range as well as solutions individually adapted to the application.

 

Deburring

Uniform deburring on both sides in a single pass – without turning the workpiece.

More about deburring

Chamfering

Economical chamfering of bores, front and back, in a single pass.

More about chamfering

Counterboring

Counterboring of bores without turning the workpiece.

More about counterboring

Drilling Combined

Economical drilling combined with deburring, chamfering, or counterboring.

More about drilling combined
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Why HEULE?
HEULE specialises in back-side bore machining. This also includes backspotfacers, form countersinks, or chamfering tools. For decades, tool solutions individually tailored to the customer or application have been developed. The tools are 100% developed and manufactured in Switzerland, which promises the highest precision. The family-owned business is ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified.
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